
I'fass ^ (eS 

Book : X:> -^ 7 1 






LECTURE 

ON THE ^ ^pf 

ANTiaUITIES OF CENTRAL AMERICA, 

ANU ON 

THE DISCOVERY OF NEW ENGLAND 

BY 

THE NORTHMEN, 

FIVE HUNDRED YEARS BEFORE COLUMBUS, 

rELIVERED IN 

NEW YORK, WASHINGTON, BOSTON, AND OTHER CITIES. 

ALSO 
IN SOME OF THE FIRST LITERARY INSTITUTIONS OP THE UNION^ 



BY A.' DAVIS, 

FORMERLY CHAPLAIN OF THE SENATE, ETC. NEW YORE. 



SIXTH EDITION, 

With Additions. 



NEIV YORK: 

BARTLETT AND COMPANY, NO. 2, ASTOR HOUSE. 

BOSTON: 

DUTTON AND WENTWORTH, NOS. 10 AND 12, EXCHANGE STREET. 

1840. 






TO THE PUBLIC 



The generous patronage received for t?ie delivery of the following 
Lecture, leads to its publication. Though faint the ray of knowledge 
it may impart, yet I trust it will still be seen, and its benefits rewarded, 
while exhibited in a different medium. 

The circulation of six thousand copies in a short time, shews that 
this hope of success has not been disappointed. Since published, it 
has not only been delivered in various cities and institutions, but it has 
been repeated lately thirteen times in Baltimore. 

Together with original matter, the Lecture is a compilation from 
various important works. Facts have been obtained from the first 
libraries in Boston, Worcester, Philadelphia, Washington and George- 
town. 



LECTURE. 



While the beauties of the visible creation fade on the eye — while all 
nature reposes under the mantle of night, it is pleasant to leave the 
haunts of business for the lecture room, and to survey remote periods 
under the light of history. 

The active mind of man instinctively surveys the dark regions of the 
past, and would gladly break the unfathomable silence of the nations of 
the dead, and raise the veil where their beauty and glory have slept for 
ages. This strong desire to learn something of those who lived when 
time was young, leads the antiquary too often to adopt groundless theo- 
ries. But, if there are counterfeit antiquities, there are those, also, that 
are genuine. The present is an age peculiar for developing the latter. — 
The most extensive field for antiquarian research opens in Central 
America. There, from beneath dense forests, have been revealed to 
the light of heaven, specimens of the arts amid the ruins of " gorgeous 
palaces." 

That America was peopled by those in advance of the savage state 
long before any authentic accounts are given of settlements, is manifest 
from nameless monuments of antiquity found in various parts. 

It will be recollected that the avaricious Spaniards discovered and 
conquered Mexico on the north, and Peru and Chili on the south of 
Central America, in the first place ; but, at length the solitude of the 
latter was broken, and there was discovered the El Dorado, about 
which the whole Spanish nation had so long been dreaming. 

The appearance of these ruins shows that a nation once existed 
there highly skilled in the mechanic arts, and in a state of civilization 
far beyond any thing that we have been led to believe of the aborigi- 
nes, previous to the time of Columbus. 



4 A LECTURE ON THE 

The antiquities of America, may be divided into three classes, left 
in succession, by nations more or less enlightened. The inhabitants of 
Central America, were the most intelligent — the next in intellectual ad- 
vancement, were the Mexicans ; the rude mounds of the West, must 
have been left by those who were not very far in advance of the natives. 

The first knowledge of the ruins of Central America, was derived 
from accounts given by straggling hunters. 

In 1787, the Spanish government sent out Del Rio, to survey the 
ruins. Waldeck, in 1822, published an account of Rio's discoveries. 

The Spaniards were ever jealous of other nations, lest they should 
also discover the treasures that region unfolded. They have taken anti- 
quities from that quarter, and deposited them at the monastic institution 
of Cuenca, forty miles from Madrid. 

Capt. Dupaix was sent on a mission to Central America, in 1805. 
Lord Kingsboro' gave an account of Dupaix's discoveries. William H. 
Prescott, Esq. of Boston, has the work of Lord K. ; it is as splendid as 
it is expensive, and it presents very beautiful and striking views of 
buildings, and likenesses of the inhabitants. 

Waldeck visited the South in 1832. Among the hieroglyphics, he 
thinks he has deciphered an account of the reign of eleven queens. 

Gov. Galindo of Peten, in Central America, has corresponded with 
Lieut. Gov. Winthrop, Boston, relative to the antiquities of that region. 
For the great discoveries he has made, be has received a premium from 
one of the literary societies of Europe. 

J. L. Stephens, Esq., and Mr. Catherwood, have returned after hav- 
ing made important discoveries in Central America : as lofty statues, 
obelisks, and beautiful altar pieces. 

Gov. Galindo, in speaking of one of the cities in the vicinity of 
Palenque, says, that a gigantic massica or bread fruit tree, grows on 
one of the altars, encircling it with its powerful roots. The most re- 
markable trees growing over the ruins, are the mahogany, cedar, 
chocolate, &c. One of the squares of the city, is surrounded with six 
handsome obelisks, the highest of which is more than six yards high ; 
they all bear in basso relievo, gigantic figures. One temple has eighty 
such figures. 

The temple of Copan was 653 feet by 524 feet in dimensions. It 
must have been as large as St. Peter's Church, in Rome. Let us gaze 
on this mighty structure for instruction ! It stands as a landmark on 
the broad field of time — it reminds us of the remote origin of a great 
empire. Centuries must have rolled away — Dynasties must have suc- 
ceeded each other, before orders of architectui-e were introduced, and 
a long time must have elapsed before an empire would become so lux- 
urious as to erect the stupendous temple of Copan. 

Among the vast pile of ruins, is found an architrave of black gran- 
ite, finely cut. Six granite columns are seen, each of a single piece, 
17 feet high, and 3 feet in diameter. 

The Mayon architecture in Yucatan, is said to be superior to that of 
Palenque. It is wrought in stone, and finished with great elegance. 

Gen. Santa Anna, says, that the antiquities of Central America, are 
worthy of being placed in parallel with the pyramids of Egypt. 



DISCOVERY OF AMERICA. 



Palenque, which lies 240 miles from Tobasco, lat. 17° N. is amona 
the most remarkable cities of the south. Palenque is a Castilian worcf 
and means " lists for fighting." ' 

This city has emphatically been called the Thebes of America In 
surveymg its ruins, the traveller is led to believe that it was founded at 
as early a period as the renowned cities of Egypt. 

How immense this city ! It is supposed to have been sixty miles in 
circumference, and that it contained a population of nearly three mil- 
lions. Great were its commercial privileges— even now, the beautiful 
Otulum rolls along its desolated borders. 

Palenque, lying about one thousand miles from Mexico, and beins 
elevated five thousand feet above the ocean, enjoyed a climate almost 
unequalled for its pleasantness. The natural beauty of the scenery 
was unrivalled— the soil rich and fertile beyond any other portion of 
the globe. 

_ One of the principal structures revealed to the eye of the antiquarian 
is the teocuh or temple. Its style of architecture resembles the Gothic 
It IS rude, massive and durable. Though resemblinji the Egyptian edi- 
fices also, yet this and the other buildings are peculVar, and^ are differ- 
ent from all others hitherto known. 

The entrance to this temple is on the east side, by a portico more 
than one hundred feet in length, and nine feet broad. The rectangular 
pillars of the portico have their architraves adorned with stucco work 
of shields and other devices. This temple stands on an elevation of 
sixty feet. Would that its exalted location and its splendor were indi- 
cative of elevated and enlarged views its worshippers might have had 
of the bupreme Being ; but certain objects or relievos, lead to the sup- 
position that within its massive walls human beings were sacrificed to 
incensed divinities. Among the ruins, different objects of worship have 
been found, and in particular an idol of pure gold, about six inches 
long. Amid this wilderness of ruins are now to be seen fourteen large 
stone buildings, with many of their apartments in good condition. 

Ihe antiquity of this city is manifest not only from its nameless hiero- 
glyphics and other objects ; but from the age of some of the trees grow- 
ing over bmldmgs where once the hum of industry and the voice of 
merriment were heard. A number of natives were employed by the 
bpaniards in felling the trees and in consuming them by fire. The 
work was executed in about twenty days. 

The concentric circles of some of these trees were counted, which 
showed that they were more than nine hundred years of age. 

But alas ! the founders of cities, as magnificent as those Ihat adorned 
flood ^^"^ ^'^''' ^'"^^^ ^^^^^ished like the generations before the 

" Every house is builded by some man," but who erected the splen- 
did temples of Palenque, none can tell, save » He who made all thiiUs " 
Unnumbered centuries have passed away since the noon-day of PaTen- 
cian glory. There the wing of endless night broods over all that was 
once beautiful and grand — 

"w^^''\^^ Senates once the weal of nations planned 
Hisseth the gliding snake through lioary weeds 
That clasp the mouldering columns." 



A LECTURE ON THE 



1 have seen an original representation of the following Palencian 
head, in the possession of Professor Dod, of Princeton College. 



Shade of Spurz- 
heim ! tell if thou 
canst what quali- 
ties such a form- 
ed head as this 
implies. 




This helmet is 
said to resemble 
those described 
by Homer. 



Oh ! that some mighty genius like that of Belzoni would arise and 
remove from this city of the world called neiL\ the veil that conceals 
its origin. 

It is supposed that this city was destroyed by some internal convul- 
sion, or like those of the south of Europe, was overwhelmed by the 
barbarians of the north. 

It is not singular that it should have been concealed from view for 
ages, when we recollect that cities of the eastern continent have, in like 
manner, remained in oblivion till of late. We allude to the i-uins of 
Pestum in Campania of Italy, and those of Petra of Idumea in Asia. 
A new forest hid for centuries, the former from the degenerate sons of 
Rome, while the splendid structures of Petra were known only to Be- 
douins for over a thousand years. Who does not delight to read about 
the roses of Pestum } Yet they still unfold their inimitable petals amid 
the ruins of palaces, and beside dilapidated temples. 

In a letter from Juan Galindo, Gov. of Peten, Central America, to 
Hon. T. L. Winthrop, I find the following remark : The physiognomy 
of the figures in basso relievo, throughout the ruins, is exactly similar 
to that of the modern Punctuncs and Mayas, the aboriginal inhabitants 
of the neighborhood. 

Do we admire the boundless forests, the lofty mountains, and the 
majestic rivers of our hemisphere } The vast wilderness of ruins, 
once enlivened by intelligent beings, should demand a higher claim to 
our admiration. 



DISCO VEHY OF AMERICA. 7 

The antiquities of America stretch from the great lakes of the north 
and west to Central America, and the southern parts of Peru on the 
south ; from the Alleghany mountains on the east, to the Rocky moun- 
tains on the west ; and even from the Pacific to the Atlantic ocean. 

We will not say, as the Athenians said of their nation, that the first 
inhabitants of America were created when the sun was first lit up in 
the sky ; but we must presume they early reached this continent from 
the old world. 

The learned Dr. Clarke says that the continents were once united, but 
that by the force of winds and waves the isthmuses were broken up and 
formed into islands along the coasts. Easy, however, is the transition 
from the east to the west, by the way of Bhering's straits, when we 
consider that they are only thirteen leagues wide. 

Adverse winds also might have driven the frail vessels of the an- 
cients to the region lying on the gulf of Mexico and elsewhere. 

But as tropical animals found in America could not have crossed 
over by Bhering's straits when frozen, they must have come by land 
that once extended from Asia or Africa to America, in the torrid zone. 
Should it be asked why certain animals, as the horse and the cow, not 
found, originally, on this continent, did not cross by this continuous 
range of lands, we answer, because the original continent was divided 
as possibly in the days of Peleg, before such animals had an oppor- 
tunity to migrate. It is presumed that men and animals diverged as 
from the central place, where the ark rested, moving in all direc- 
tions. 

Think you they would have transported venomous serpents from the 
old to the new world ? 

It is asserted that a range of land once extended from the eastern 
part of Brazil to the western part of Africa. The remains of the sunk- 
en part of the continent are seen in the Isle of Ascension and other 
islands ; also in the sand banks. Such have been found by Bauche, in 
particular, who sounded that part of the Atlantic with great accuracy. 

Ogleby Cosmographer to the English Sovereign, 1671, thinks that 
men and animals came immediately after the flood from Armenia to 
Tartary, and from the latter place to this continent, by a continuous 
range of land extending from Asia to America by Bhering's straits. 

Some suppose the Indians came here by the way of the Fox Islands, 
600 A. D. 

The traces of different races of men, now extinct, are to be found 
in America, as the dwarfish and the giant. The graves of the former, 
four feet and a half long, are seen in Georgia, and the bones of the 
latter farther north — some of the thigh bones are two or three inches 
longer than those of the present inhabitants — crania are found large 
enough to cover the head of the observer. And is it strange it should 
have been said in the Sacred Volume ? "And there were giants in 
those days." 

The light of science and revelation commingle, forming one broad 
stream of light that is not lost, but amid the radiance that encircles the 
throne of the Eternal. 

The eyes of mankind, from the time of Pythagoras, have been turn- 



8 A LECTURE ON THE 

ed to the west, in anticipation that here new discoveries were to be 
made, and hither were the adventurous at length led. 

And who was the first among known discoverers ? Who are not 
ready to answer, Columbus ? 

A different answer might surprise some. One is given in the name 
of the Northmen. It is asserted that Lief, a Northman, was the first 
who discovered the country south of Greenland, unless we except New- 
foundland. 

Biarne sailed from Norway, directed by the stars, for Greenland ; 
but being driven by the winds, for several days, to the south, he saw 
an island — probably Newfoundland. 

The discovery of America by the Northmen, excites a vast deal of 
curiosity. And is it not a laudable curiosity that leads one to ascertain 
what white men first trod regions in which the modest wild flower 
wasted its sweetness on the desert air ? 

As Geography is one of the eyes of history, it would be well at this 
time to direct the attention to the map of North America, and to those 
of Massachusetts and Rhode Island in particular. 

The Royal Society of Northern Antiquarians in Copenhagen have 
lately published an important work. While the contents of this mass- 
ive work are invaluable, its mechanical execution reflects great honor 
on the society that published it. 

This work is called, as translated from the Latin, "American Anti- 
quities, or northern writings of things in America before the time of 
Columbus." 

The determination was formed about twelve years since by the Roy- 
al Society of Antiquarians in Copenhagen to publish the authorities on 
which these accounts rest in the original documents, accompanied with 
full commentaries and illustrations. The text is in the Icelandic tongue. 

The inquiry is often made, who were the Northmen ? They were 
the descendants of the Scandinavians, who it is thought sprang from the 
Thi-acians mentioned by Homer — a nation now extinct. The Danes, 
the Swedes, the Norwegians, and the Icelanders, all come under the 
name of Northmen or Norsemen. Their literature has been compared 
in extent, to the literary remains of Greece and Latium. This opens 
a new fountain of research, where the scholar may often 

" Return and linger, linger and return." 

This great work contains two Icelandic documents, now for X\ve first 
time published accurately in a complete form, purporting to be histories 
written by or for persons who discovered and visited the North Ameri- 
can coast early in the eleventh century, confirmed and illustrated by 
extracts from no less than fifteen other original manuscripts, in which 
the facts set forth in these histories are either mentioned or alluded to. 
The Royal Society have already collected two thousand sagas or works 
of Scandinavian or Icelandic history. 

In this work, in particular, is found Adam of Bremen's account of the 
discovery of America, communicated to him in the eleventh century by 
Sweyn Estrithson, king of Denmark. 



DISCOVERY OF AMERICA. » 

1st. Are these documents genuine ? 

2d. If so, why have they not been heard of before ? 

The work itself contains evidences of the antiquity and authenticity 
of the manuscripts from which the publication has been made, sufficient 
to raise them above any just suspicion. 

These documents, as Professor Rafn says, have been known to Ice- 
landic scholars, but these have been so few, comparatively, and the 
means of these few so limited, that they have not been able to give 
them suitable examination, much less to be at the expense of publish- 
ing them. 

How long did the ancient classics, for instance, lay concealed in the 
monasteries of Europe, for the want of some one to exhibit them to 
public view ? These Icelandic documents may have been hid in like man- 
ner, in the libraries of priests. And we may say that the Society of 
Antiquarians in Copenhagen, in bringing these documents to light, 
resembles the conduct of the poet Laureate, Petrarch, in the fourteenth 
century, who at his own expense, had the valuable manuscripts of anti- 
quity dragged from the dust of the cloisters, transcribed and exhibited 
to the world. 

Who does not admire the lovely scenery, where the beautiful and 
sublime are blended, displayed in the succession of falls at Trenton ? 
Yet these were concealed for ages, till a master-spirit revealed them to 
an admiring world ! And does not the raven wing of night hide the 
works of art also till disclosed in a similar way ? The learned of Ice- 
land, though like the generality of poets, were poor, yet they were not 
disposed, like Milton, to sell their manuscripts for a paltry sum. 

It is well known the Norwegians have long claimed the honor of dis- 
covering and colonizing America before the time of Columbus. 

Instead of this discovery being a new fangled theory, as some say, 
there have been several works published in Europe, upwards of a cen- 
tury, which speak of these facts. Wormius speaks of this discovery, 
in a Latin translation published at the University of Oxford, in or about 
1716. In Adam of Bremen's account, published 1629, he uses the fol- 
lowing striking language ; " non fabulosa opinione sed certa relatione 
Danorum," that is, in a free translation, " this is not a fabulous opinion, 
but a true narrative given by the Danes themselves." Dr. Franklin in a 
letter to a distinguished antiquary formerly of Switzerland, says posi- 
tively, that the Danes came into New England before the time of Col- 
umbus. 

The celebrated Dr. Henderson, who travelled in Iceland, says, that 
the fact of this early discovery was well known to the Icelanders, — 
that it was authenticated by northern historians. It is a remarkable 
fact, that Iceland, where these documents relating to the early discove- 
ry, were preserved, was the Athens of the North during the dark ages. 

During the middle ages, the Icelanders were the most intelligent peo- 
ple in the North. Even now, as Henderson says, youth can repeat 
passages from Latin and Greek authors, who have never been but a few 
miles from the place of their birth. And the hardy Icelanders were 
our librarians and historians. 

Iceland appears to have been a medium of communication between 
2 



10 



A LECTURE ON THE 



Norway and Greenland — a stepping-stone, as it were, from one conti- 
nent to another. 

Iceland, thought by some to be the " Ultima Thule" of Virgil, was 
discovered by the Norwegians in 861. The oppression of king Harold 
Harfaga drove them there for an asylum. 

But the restless spirit of the Northmen would not allow them to be 
idle. They made incursions in every direction, and discovered Green- 
land in 984. 

In 986, a colony was begun by Eric, the red. This was at length 
destroyed. By the exertions of the Danish Society, the ruins of this 
settlement have been discovered. It was located on the west, near 
Cape Farwell. It is seen in the remains of churches and buildings. 

Leif, the son of Eric, commenced a voyage of discovery in the year 
1000. His crew consisted of thirty-five men. Leif was the first to in- 
troduce missionaries into Greenland. 

After sailing for some time south west, they made land — they anch- 
ored and Avent ashore. This place was destitute of grass, and was cov- 
ered with a slaty rock which they called Helluland. This is supposed 
to be Labrador. Fishermen and travellers of the present day, give a 
like description of that barren region. 

From thence they sailed southwardly, and after holding on for some 
time, they again made land and went ashore. This country was level, 
had a low coast, presenting here and there bluffs of white sand, and 
was thickly covered with wood. This they named Markland, or Wood- 
land. This is thought to be Nova Scotia. 

Leaving Mai-kland, they sailed south-westerly with a fair wind two 
days, before seeing land again, when they passed down a promontory, 
probably the east side of Cape Cod, stretching east and north, and then 
turning west between an island (Martha's Vineyard,) and the main land, 
they entered a bay, (Narragansett Bay,) through which a river flowed, 
(Taunton River,) when they came to anchor and went ashore. Resolv- 
ing to spend the winter here, they called the place Leifsbuthir, or place 
of booths. Here finding grapes very plenty, they called the place Vin- 
land or Wineland the good. This land, to those coming from the re- 
mote north, appeared as nature in the " world's first spring." 

Early in the season they returned to Greenland. Leif 's return be- 
came the principal subject of conversation. 

The next adventurer was Thorwold, his brother. And you will ob- 
serve that he and the other navigators gave the same account of places 
they visited. Were not this the case, who could believe any of their 
reports ? 

Thorwold, thinking the country had not been sufficiently explored, 
set sail in 1002, and proceeded to Leifsbuthir, where he lived till 1004. 

In the spring of 1004, he sailed from Leifsbuthir, after passing along 
the shore of the promontory east and north, they sailed round a sharp 
point of land called Kjarlanes. This must have been Cape Cod. Kjar- 
lanes implies Keelcape. For Cape Cod, at the extremity, is in shape of 
the keel of ancient vessels, which curved inward. 

These Northmen were peaceable men. They were not like Phaeton, 
who gladly would have seized the reins of the chariot of the sun to set 



DISCOVERY OF AMERICA. 11 

the world on fire. It must not be denied, however, that the second 
great navigator, Thorwold, assailed the natives without cause ; but in 
using the sword he perished by the sword. On receiving a mortal 
wound, he requested that after his death crosses might be placed at 
either end of his grave. 

The Catholic ministers in giving an account of their first missionary- 
labors in this country, speak of the custom of the natives in wearing 
crosses. Such must have been introduced by the Northmen christians. 

I mentioned this circumstance lately to the Librarian of the Ameri- 
can Antiquarian Society, Worcester, and lie said that a cross had been 
sent to that institution, by a gentleman of Ohio. I saw this emblem of 
the christian faith. It must have been hid from the light of heaven for 
centuries. This silver cross is about two and a half inches long. It 
was found on the breast of a female skeleton — one which was dug 
from a mound at Columbus over which a forest of trees had grown. 
On this cross the capital letters I. S. are perfectly visible. And what 
can these letters imply but the initials of the sacred name Iesus Sal- 
vat or ? 

Who can doubt, then, but that the " Sun of Righteousness" cast his 
bright beams on the land west of the dread Atlantic long before the 
time of Columbus ? 

In 1006, Thorfins, or Thorfin, commanded one of the three ships 
that came from Iceland to Greenland. He was of royal lineage. 

In the spring of 1007, Thorfin, with three ships and one hundred and 
sixty men, besides cattle and all necessary materials for establishing a 
colony, set sail for Vinland. 

They sailed to Helluland or Labrador ; from thence to Markland or 
Nova Scotia ; and from thence to Kjarlanes, or Cape Cod. Sailing 
south by the east side of the promontory, which terminated at Kjarlanes, 
they passed along beaches or trackless deserts of sand. How descrip- 
tive of this bleak and steril coast. 

Those who have sailed from Boston to Narragansett Bay, are ready 
to say, that I am not drawing an ideal picture. 

Continuing their course, they arrived at an island between which and 
the main land a stream appeared to pass. They called it Shaumey. 
This is supposed to be Martha's Vineyard. Nine men went away in 
one of the ships and never returned. It is said they were driven on the 
coast of Ireland where they were seized as slaves. 

In the spring, Thorfin and one hundred and fifty-one others went to 
the main land. They called the place Hop, the residence afterwards 
of king Philip. Here they found large numbers of skrellings or natives. 
Thorfin carried on a traffic with them by exchanging bits of colored 
cloth for furs. In consequence of their frequent attacks, in 1009, they 
returned to Greenland. Then it will be recollected that the Northmen 
had not the use of fire-arms, with which to defend themselves against 
the assaults of the savages. These lords of the wilds had a rude kind 
of engine by which they hurled large stones against their foes ; and it 
is possible that the white man would never have driven the red man 
from the Atlantic to the Rocky mountains, but for the invention of gun- 
powder. 



12 A LECTURE ON THE 

I cannot forbear to speak of the valor of one of this crew of the 
Northmen, a female. When all the rest were disposed to flee before 
the savage foe, she exclaimed, " If I only had a weapon, I ween I could 
ligiit better than any of you." Ah, when we consider the patriotism of 
the females at the seige of Carthage, who cut their locks to make ropes 
for engines of war, and when we recollect the courage of Isabella, of 
Castile, who at the conquest of Grenada, though in ill health, led on 
her veterans to conquest and glory, have we not reason to suppose that 
this Scandinavian was sincere in her declaration .'' Truly, valor and 
benevolence are but parallel streams in the female heart. We would 
not applaud courage, however, unless under the control of a higher 
and holier principle. 

Thorfin married Gudrida, the widow of Thorstein, third son of Eric. 
She accompanied her husband to Vinland. Snorre, their son, was the 
first white child born in America. From him descended the distin- 
guished associate of Professor Rafn — Finn Magnusen. The great sculp- 
tor Thorwaldsen, now in Europe, is also of this family. Bishop Thu- 
lack Rudolfson, was a descendant of Thorfin's, and it is supposed that 
he wrote or compiled these documents. 

Dr. Laud, a distinguished Geologist from Denmark, has lately found 
the remains of an Icelandic city in Brazil. He discovered runic in- 
scriptions on flag stones. Above all, he found a statue of the North- 
man God of Thunder — Thor, with his attributes, the magic girdle and 
hammer. 

Thorfin, the most distinguished of these, returned to Iceland, where 
he ended his days, living in great splendor. 

The editor of the American antiquities. Professor Rafn, and his asso- 
ciate. Professor Finn Magnusen, think that Vinland was situated in the 
east part of Rhode Island, and in the south part of Massachusetts, on 
and about Narragansett Bay and Taunton river. 

The points in the Icelandic documents alluding to the locality of Vin- 
land, may be reckoned the Geography, Natural History, Astronomical 
Phenomena and vestiges of residence of Northmen in that place. All 
of these, in the opinion of the editor of the American Antiquities, point 
to the head of Narragansett Bay, or Mt. Hope Bay, as the locality of 
Hop, the central part of Vinland. 

As the Royal Society have held correspondence with several learned 
societies in this country for some years, they are well qualified to form 
a judgment on this subject. Dr. Webb, now of Boston, formerly Sec- 
retary R. I. Historical Society, and J. R. Bartlctt, Esq., of New York, 
have been very efficient agents in aiding the Royal Society, in present- 
ing this great work to the world. 

The following letter from the late General Holstein, Professor in 
" Albany Female Academy," will show the care taken to acquire in- 
formation relative to American Antiquities, 

" In proof of the great exertions made by the Northern Antiquarian 
Society in Copenhagen, to acquire a knowledge of Scandinavian Anti- 
quities in America, I hereby state that several years since, a letter of 
inquiry, sealed with the seal of the society, was sent to a professional 
gentleman of Geneva, in this state — a translation of which I made from 
the Danish tongue." 



DISCOVERY OF AMERICA. 13 

The Geography of Vinland.— Concerning the situation of Hellu- 
land, there can be no doubt, as it was the first land south west of 
(Greenland. Where else could this have been unless the coast of Lab- 
rador ? 

Markland was situated south west from Helluland, three days sail, or 
three hundred and sixty English miles. This is supposed to be Nova 
bcotia. 

The distance of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick agrees with the 
account the Icelanders gave of Markland. 

Vinland was situated two days sail, or about two hundred and forty 
Ji^nghsh miles to the south west of Markland, and if Markland has been 
properly located, must be sought in or near the south part of Massa- 
chusetts. 

In the Icelandic documents it is said that Hop, the residence of Thor- 
fin, was situated on an elevation of land, near a river which flowed 
south through a bay into the ocean. From this the land stretched east, 
and turning north, formed a promontory which terminated in a point or 
cape which they call Kjarlanes. The east side of the promontory was 
bounded by long narrow beaches or sand hills. To those, who like 
myself, have often viewed the Atlantic from these sand hills, this ac- 
count appears peculiarly striking. 

The Natural History of Vinland.— Vinland was remarkable for 
Its vines, maple trees, maize, and a great variety of wild animals. The 
waters abounded with fish, and were occasionally visited with whales 
Birds were numerous. The eider duck was seen about the islands in 
large numbers. 

As to vines, they are said to be numerous even now, and this is more 
particularly true of the country around Narragansett Bay. It is said 
the grapes are so numerous between Taunton and Providence, as to al- 

'^T/'t''^ 'JP .^^^ P'^^^^ "^^^^'^ ^^^y g^o^^- -^nd was not an island 
called Martha s Vineyard, on account of the multiplicity of vines grow- 
ing there } i^ •> s 

_ The celebrated Bishop Berkley, who attempted to establish a theolofr- 
ical seminary in Rhode Island, says in his letter to his friends in Europe 
that vines were as plenty on the island as in Italy. Gosnald, who vis- 
there ^^i^^'^^th Isles in 1603, says that vines were in great profusion 

In the documents it is said, that in that region are the red, sugar and 
bird 3 eye maple. The Northmen cut down the trees, and after thev 
were dry they loaded their ships with the timber. It is supposed that 
the bird s eye variety was made an article of commerce. 

As to Indian corn or maize, it seems our pilgrim fathers found some 
in what IS now called Truro, near the end of the Cape. It was buried 
m the earth to preserve it. 

Deer roam wild now in the pine woods, near Plymouth, as in the 
days of the Northmen. 

It is needless to remind the reader of the multiplicity of fish that still 
abound in the waters of this region. The sportsman may, at this day, 
tell his friends, in the language of Capt. Smith, of Jamestown, who de- 



14 A LECTURE ON THE 

scribed this quarter, " of the pleasure to be derived from angling and 
crossing the sweet air, from isle to isle, over the silent streams of a calm 
sea." 

As to whales, I have occasionally seen them spouting around the 
sandy shores of the Cape. 

In regard to the eider duck, in the documents it is said still to inhabit 
these parts. In the Latin translation, it is called " anas moUisima," a 
duck with the finest of feathers. The feathers of the ducks in that 
quarter called the canvass back and the myrrh, have very fine feathers, 
and are probably the varieties named by the Northmen. Wild fowl 
must have been numerous there, as an island is still called Egg Island, 
from the quantity of eggs they deposited. 

Thorfin describes the soil and climate. — The winters of Vinland 
are said to be remarkably mild, but little snow fallmg, and cattle sub- 
sisting out of doors through the winter. 

This account does not agree with the description of New England 
winters at this time. Still, however, it has been the practice of the far- 
mers on Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, to let their sheep and cattle 
lie out during the winter. But the cold winters of New England, com- 
pared with those of Greenland, are as the mildness of spring. They 
speak however of a snowy winter. 

But there have been great changes in the face of the earth, and in 
the climate, in different ages. Change is the law of nature. Has not 
one of the bright cluster been blotted out from the map of heaven .'' 
Such changes also takes place on the face of the earth. 

The Dead Sea was, in earlier times, sixty miles long — it is now only 
thirty. And even old Ontario and Erie have receded from their former 
bounds, leaving to the present generation a rich tract of land, several 
miles wide, and a beautiful ridge road. Who does not admire the 
everlasting rocks, rising in stern grandeur, on either side of the Mo- 
hawk at the Little Falls ? Yet, the lovely vale above must once have 
been the bed of a vast lake. This is manifest from the fact, that there 
are " pot holes" found at an elevation of sixty feet above the river, at 
these Falls. 

These circular excavations were made, ages since, by the circumvo- 
lution of stones, driven by the rapid descent of the waters. You can 
see a demonstratio7i of this fact by looking at the High Falls of the 
Black River, or Trenton. 

I have a specimen of Gneiss, broken from one of these holes, which 
though worn by the busy hand of old Time, is as smooth as if polished 
by the lapidary. 

And what a mighty labor was that, for the waters of this lake to have 
found their way, gradually^ through the high and continuous wall of 
granite, where now the Mohawk murmurs as it rolls along its new 
channel. 

And how has the face of the earth changed in Massachusetts since 
visited by the Scandinavians ? For instance, at the extremity of the 
Cape called Kjarlanes, I have seen, amid wide waves of sand, innumerable 
stumps of trees. So that where now is comparatively a desert of sand, 



DISCOVERY OF AMERICA, 15 

and one as bleak as that of Sahara, once stood a dense forest. As 
the ocean is constantly encroaching on these barren shores, Govern- 
ment is expending large sums to prevent its ravages by planting beach 
grass. 

One circumstance forces itself on my mind that may not be improper 
to name. 

I do not find that there is any mention in these documents of there 
being masses of sand at Kjarlanes. As it is said, the east side of the 
promontory was bounded by long narrow beaches or sand hills, and 
from the remains of a forest of which I spake, at the extremity of this 
Cape, is it unreasonable to suppose it stood there in the days of the first 
voyagers ? 

Geological facts prove that it was much warmer formerly in the 
north than it is now. 

For instance, we find from the skeleton of the elephant, found in Si- 
beria, that this tropical animal once roamed there. 

Large forests once flourished in Lapland. 

The following observations from the work of Hugh Williamson, 
M. D., on Climate, politely handed me by Professor Greene, of Albany, 
concur with the above views. 

It is not to be disputed that in former ages Iceland produced timber 
in abundance. Large trees are occasionally found there in the marshes 
and vallies, to a considerable depth in the ground. Segments of these 
fossil trees have lately been exported in proof of the alleged fact. 

It is asserted in the ancient Icelandic records, that when Ingulf, the 
Norwegian, first landed in Iceland, 879, he found so thick a cluster of 
birch trees that he penetrated them with difficulty, 

Henderson in his Travels in Iceland says, that the climate has dete- 
riorated there from the fact that it was once shaded with forests. 

When the first Norwegian colony settled in Greenland, about 1000 
years ago, they found no difficulty from ice in approaching the coast^ 
and a regular correspondence was supported by their people for many 
years. 

And has not climate changed even in this region ? A gentleman of 
Mount Morris, N. Y. says, that forty years ago, the winters were sa 
mild in the Genessee Valley, that one could plough, and that swine 
lived through them in the woods. And is it unreasonable to suppose 
that the climate of New England was much milder in the days of the 
Northmen than it is now ? 

The learned editor and his associate deduce from the Astronomical 
data, lat. 41° 24' 10", which is the latitude of Narragansett Bay and 
Mount Hope. There, at the winter solstice, December 22d, the day is- 
nine hours. 

That the Northmen were capable of taking latitudes is evident from 
the circumstance, that at that period they speak of eclipses, which have 
lately been calculated by Sir David Brewster, and the distinguished 
Norwegian Astronomer Hanstein, and found correct. 

Tlie reading, however, that leads to the above calculation has been 
disputed. The whole controversy turns on the meaning of two words. 
From what we can understand, we presume the editor is correct in his 
exposition. 



16 A LECTURE ON THE 

But suppose we were to reject all history on account of some appa- 
rent or real discrepancy in narration ? In sucli a case, some future 
reader might declare that the History of the American Revolution was 
neither credible nor authentic ; for it is said that the distinguished battle 
of the 17th June, '75, was fought on Bunker's Hill instead of Breed's. 
Who does not know that Bunker's Hill, rising back of Breed's, is 7nore 
elevated than the latter, on which the monument is rising ? (Yes, and 
by the patriotism of the ladies of 1840, will ere long tower to the stars.) 

Little can be said of the vestiges of the residence of the 
Northmen in this country. 

There is a large rock at the junction of Smith's Creek with Taunton 
River, with a singular inscription on it. It was evidently made with an 
iron instrument. Passing over the particular remarks of the editor, on 
these letters, I would give his supposition as to their meaning. 

Thorfins, with one hundred and fifty-one men, took possession of this 
country. 

rxxxiM 

l^ORFINX 

Where the first character stands in the second line it is supposed T 
H was once made. 

Pi-ofessor Rafn has deciphered an inscription on the Paradisic rock 
of Iceland, which, he says, proves beyond doubt the European origin 
of the inscription on this in Massachusetts. 

Instead of Mr. Catlin's having seen like inscriptions on white quart 
rocks at the west, I am told, on the best authority, that he says he has 
not seen such there. John R. Bartlett, Esq. copied the above inscrip- 
tion. He found the characters permanently imbedded in the rock 
called gneiss. 

There are similar inscriptions on rocks in the vicinity of Mount Hope 
Bay. 

The people in the north of Europe were fond of making inscriptions 
on rocks on the borders of lakes and rivers ; for such are found in 
Norway, Sweden, and Scotland. They are called " runes." 

One of these inscriptions, found on a rock in Sweden, has been deci- 
phered by Professor Finn Magnusen. The inscription relates to a bat- 
tle fought about A. D. 680, between the kings of Norway and Sweden, 
Accounts of this battle were given by authentic historians. 

As the monuments of antiquity in North America are different from 
those in Mexico, Central and South America, they must have been left 
by different races. It is said there is a similarity between the antiqui- 
ties of North America and those found in the North of Europe and Asia. 

Capt. Williams, of Boston, a native of Denmark, says he has exam- 
ined a mound near St. Louis, and he finds that its form, and the relics 
it contains, are precisely like the shape of the mounds in Denmark 
and the antiquities found in them. He thinks the mounds of the west 
were erected by the Scandinavians. 



DISCOVERY OF AMERICA. 17 

Were the Northmen capaljlc of making discoveries and of recording 
them ? The rude cliildren of our forests could not perform a work so 
mighty. 

The Roman historian, Tacitus, spake of the invasion of the people 
of the north, before the christian era. He says of the Cimbri, that they 
were not a small tribe, but mighty in fame ; that the vestiges of their 
ancient glory still remained in their fortifications ; that no other nation 
had so often given them cause to dread their arms — not the Carthage- 
nians, or Spaniards, or Gauls. 

In later times, the Northmen made incursions upon Germany, France, 
England, the Orkney, Farroe and Shetland Isles. 

The French were in such fear of the Northmen, that they inserted 
in their Liturgy, "A furore Normanorum, libera nos, O Domine ! " 

In the ninth and tenth centuries, the Danes, or Northmen, invaded 
England, and seated one of their favorite princes, Canute, on the 
throne of Alfred. 

They were a daring people — the sea was their home — the mountain 
wave was the scene of their sport — far and wide did they wander with- 
out compass to guide. 

Their vessels were built of timber that is now eagerly sought by the 
first maritime nation of the earth. 

A people, some of whose leaders boasted of never having slept by a 
cottage fire, became the dread of Christendom. They ruled the waters 
from the Arctic ocean to the Azores — they passed between the pillars 
of Hercules — they ravaged the coasts of Spain and France — sacked 
the cities of Tuscany — drove the Saracens from Sicily. They desola- 
ted the classic fields of Greece — penetrated the walls of Constantino- 
ple. Yes, in rescuing the Holy Sepulchre, they led the van of the 
chivalry of Europe. Mark their valor and their success. For one 
hundred Northmen knights, with one aid or squire each, drove ten 
thousand Saracens from Sicily. 

Scott gives a beautiful description of this remarkable people, in 
speaking of the Western Isles. 

" Thither came in times afar, 
Stern Lochlin's sons of roving war 5 
The Northmen, trained to spoil and blood. 
Skilled to prepare the raven's food ; 
Kings of the main, their leaders brave, 
Their barks the dragons of the wave."* 

Seest thou the tiny fleet of some school boy, launched on an insula- 
ted sheet of water } And such were the greatest armaments of the fa- 
mous nations of antiquity, compared with those of the Northmen. 

The present illustrious queen of England is a direct descendant of the 
Northmen. It will be recollected that Hollo, the Norman, invaded 
France in 912, and enthroned himself in the north. In 1066, William 
of Normandy conquered England. These sovereigns were Northmen, 
and from their family the pride and glory of Great Britain descended. 

* In describing king Harold's ship it is said — "And dragons' heads adorn the prow of gold.'' 
3 



18 A LECTURE ON THE 

At the beginning of the eleventh century, the Danes and Norwegians 
were converted to Christianity, and thereby received a new impulse, 
that led them to extend the blessings of the Gospel. And who, but 
this people, could ever have established missions in Greenland ? 



What shall we say of the ahilily of the Northmen to record inci- 
dents of their voyage ? 

In the year 1000, on their conversion to Christianity, they adopted 
the Roman alphabet. This was their Augustan age. The thirst of the 
Icelanders for learning, is seen in the conduct of Ulfijot, their supreme 
legislator, who, in 925, undertook a voyage to Norway, in his sixtieth 
year, to acquire a more perfect knowledge of the legal customs and in- 
stitutions of the parent country. 

In Iceland, the learned were called Skalds and Sagamen. 

The former were poets and historians. Skalds denote " Smoothers 
or polishers of language. 

The Sagamen recited in prose, with greater detail, what the Skalds 
liad recited in verse. 

By the recitations of the Skalds, the real and traditionary history of 
the country was transmitted from generation to generation. 

Memory is perhaps the most improvable faculty of our nature. De- 
prived of books, it depends upon its own resources. Its strength is seen 
in the following instance : An Icelandic Skald sang sixty different lays 
in one evening, before King Harold Sigurdson, and being asked if he 
knew any more, declared that these were only the half of what he 
could sing. 

Their traditionary histories were written down and preserved. 

As poetry is among the antiquities of all nations, the events it re- 
cords have ever been preserved by the recitations of Skalds, Minstrels, 
or Bards. 

And whom does the conqueror of Wales cut off from the land } 
Does not Edward the First, of England, destroy the minstrels of 
Wales, lest they should, by their recitations, awaken that spirit of lib- 
erty in the breast of the vanquished, which would lead them to throw 
off the yoke of the British monarch .? 

These Skalds were distinguished men — the companions of kings. 
They were sometimes kings, as in the instance of Regnar Lodbrok. 

The Sagamen made their recitations in public and private, at con- 
venient opportunities. 

If Augustus delighted to have Virgil and Horace on either hand, so 
the Scandinavian mdnarchs rejoiced to have Skalds and Sagamen in 
their presence. 

At solenni feasts, the services of these men were required. 

Ssemund, in 1056, collected the different poems relating to the my- 
thology and history of the north. The collection was called the 
" Poetic Edda." He was a man of learning, having been educated at 
the universities of Germany and France. 

He performed for the ancient poems, the same office which is said 



DISCOVERY OF AMERICA. 19 

to have been done by the ancient Gi'eek rhapsodist, who first collected 
and arranged the songs of his predecessors, and reduced them to one 
continuous poem, called Homer's Iliad. 

Snorre Sturslon, judge of Iceland, was the most distinguished scholar 
of his day. His principal work was the Prosaic Edda. It treats, in 
particular, of Scandinavian mythology. He lived in 1178. His bath 
still attracts the attention of the traveller. The aqueduct of il is five 
hundred feet long, and is composed of hewn stone, finely united by 
cement. The reservoir is similarly constructed, and will contain thirty 
persons. The water was supplied from one of their warm springs. 

The general characteristics of the Icelandic tongue are copiousness, 
energy, and flexibility, to an extent that rivals every modei'n language, 
and which enables it to enter into successful competition with the 
Greek and Latin. 

Were not the Icelanders then capalle of recording the events inci- 
dent to a voyage of discovery ? 

The internal evidences found in these documents ai'e in favor of 
their authenticity. 

Besides, there are in existence a series of works from the time when 
these voyages purport to have been made, down to the present time, 
which have been preserved, and which make mention of these discov- 
eries. 

Distinguished men, who have had superior opportunities of ascertain- 
ing the merits of this question, have come to the conclusion, that the 
descendants of the Scandinavians were the discoverers of America, 
prior to the time of Columbus. Among these are Dr. Forster, Mr. 
Wheaton, our Minister at the Court of Berlin, and Baron Von Hum- 
boldt, also of the above city. 

In a work sent from Denmark, are the following important remarks : 
" Alexander Von Humboldt, who, of all modern travellers, has 
thrown the greatest light on the physical circumstances, first discovery, 
and earliest history of America, has admitted that the Scandinavian 
Northmen were the true, original discoverers of the New World. He 
has also remarked, that the information which the public as yet pos- 
sesses of that remarkable epoch in the middle ages, is extremely scanty, 
and he has expressed a wish that the Northern Literati would collect 
and publish all the accounts relating to that subject." 

The Society of Northern Antiquarians has complied with his request, 
in publishing to the world the great work I before mentioned. 

Beside Adam of Bremen's account of the discovery of America, this 
great work speaks of Bishop Eric's voyage to Vinland, in 1121. Al- 
though Thorfin's men were driven away at fii'st by the natives, yet it is 
reasonable to suppose that they at length returned and formed colonies 
in this quarter, together with others who visited America, as named in 
the Icelandic MSS. 

If voyages were made from time to time to difterent parts of Amer- 
ica, by the Northmen, is it not reasonable to suppose that some parts of 
our country were inhabited by them for a long time, and that Bishop 
Eric visited Vinland to perform Episcopal duties, and that the North- 
men left evidences of their arts in the antiquities I will briefly name ? 



20 A LECTURE ON THE 

How fond is man to linger around mouldering ruins — to fix the eye 
on the mutilated column, overgrown with ivy ; but are there not an- 
tiquities as worthy as those of art ? I mean those of our own species. 

I shall make a remark on a human skeleton I saw, not long since, at 
Fall River, in the vicinity of Narragansett Bay. 

I had an extensive view of the region around Mount Hope, lying on 
the west of Mount Hope Bay. How accurately is the scenery por- 
ti'ayed in the Icelandic documents ! 

In the Museum, next door to the Hotel, was the skeleton of one as 
illustrious as the son of Massasoit, It will be recollected that he was a 
distinguished chief; a firm friend of the pilgrims at Plymouth. He 
had two sons, Alexander and Philip. The latter was killed in a piece 
of woods near Fall River. Beautiful is the situation of Mount Hope. 
On passing it lately, the place where Philip's house stood was pointed 
out. Mount Hope has become a place of resort for those who wish to 
inhale a pure air, and to witness some of the most attractive scenery 
our country presents. 

This skeleton was dug up, a few years since, in that place. It has a 
breast-plate or medal hanging from its neck, thirteen inches long, and 
six in width at the top, and five at the bottom. It has, also, an orna- 
ment of fillet work around its body, four and a half inches wide. 
These ornaments are made of brass, or, as Dr. Webb says, of bronze. 
A knowledge of the uses of this artificial metal, implies a considerable 
advance in the arts. 

I witnessed lately an object of interest in the State of New York. 
Not long since, a large oak tree, cut down in Lyons, was taken to 
Newark, and on sawing it, there were found, near the centre, the 
marks of an axe. On counting the concentric circles, it was discov- 
ered, that four hundred and sixty had been formed since the cutting 
was made. 

But the most striking circumstance is, that this large cavity, now visi- 
ble, was made by an edged tool. The rude stone axes of the present 
race of Indians could never have made clefts so smooth as those I saw 
in the block at the Hotel in Newark. 

A clergyman of Cummington, Massachusetts, told me he saw a like 
cut in a hemlock of that place. Since made by an edged tool, three 
hundred and twenty-two circles had been formed. 

I have seen a similar cutting made in an oak tree at Lockport, prob- 
ably 300 years since. I examined also a piece of burnt brick taken 
from beneath an oak tree 2 feet 10 inches diameter, at the ruins of a 
fortification in Wisconsin. 

On further examination, I presume this skeleton, whose head is dif- 
ferent from that of the natives, was a Northman, and that the cuttinrrs 
m these trees, were made by axes wielded by the descendants of the 
Northmen ; for I find that the Icelandic MSS. speak of breastplates 
worn by the Northmen ; and as to their axes, it is stated that the natives 
tried them on wood, and afterwards on stone ; but the instruments used 
by the former to cut down maple trees, couhl not withstand the use made 
of them by the latter, upon stone. If it is asked what has become of 
the Northmen, and where are their descendants.? We answer, like the 



DISCOVERY OF AMERICA. 21 

mighty master builders of the splendid cities of Central America, of 
Mexico, and of the rude mounds of Ohio, they have passed into tlie 
shades of oblivion. 



An important inquiry arises. Was Columbus aware of the discover- 
ies by the Northmen .'' 

From a letter preserved by his son, it appears that he visited Iceland 
in 1477. And it is thought by some, that he there obtained a knowledge 
of the discovery of Vinland. Allowing this to be the case, it is singu- 
lar he should never have given any intimation of such knowledge. 

Instead of icalking through Spain, leading his son by the hand, would 
he not at once have rushed into the presence of the sovereigns, and ac- 
quired patronage, wealth and honor, by telling them that the obscure 
Icelanders had discovered the region he wished to unfold .'' 

His greatest enemies never accused him of having reached the new 
world by information received from Iceland. 

But as Columbus was rather artful, he might from particular motives 
have concealed this knowledge from the observation of mankind. 

After all, let not the circumstance of this prior discovery cause, in 
our view, the laurels given to Columbus, to wither on his bi'ow. Let us 
ever honor him for his perseverance and his virtues. 

Let not Lief, and his associate Northmen, deprive him of what the 
voice of nations has awarded, the merit of having given, not to Ferdi- 
nand and Isabella only, but to successive generations, a new world. 

Iceland, though but a speck on the bosom of the northern ocean, is 
not unworthy our notice. Though dark to the superficial observer, yet 
it shines with a lustre, brighter than the flame rising from its volcano. 
It is the light of knowledge. That obscure island is remarkable for the 
attention paid to learning. Even many among the common class pur- 
sue the higher branches of study. Their long nights are enlivened by 
the custom of every member of the family gathering around the bright 
lamp, while one reads for the amusement and instruction of all. 

The sources of happiness are not, like those of mighty rivers, hid 
from the view of most people — they are accessible to all. The Ice- 
landers, living in a remote island, and cut off from privileges that 
milder climates present, are naturally led to look for happiness in the 
pursuit of knowledge. 

If the celebrated Pliny could say his books were sovereign consolers 
of sorrow, cannot the Icelander also declare, that when mountain waves 
lash the shores, he can find pleasure in the pursuit of those studies that 
mend the heart and enlighten the mind ? Ah, yes, fondness for books 
will create an artificial summer in the depths of the most gloomy 
season. 

The sunny Italy may boast of the beauteous tints that flush her skies ; 
but after all, her effeminate inhabitants may be destitute of that happi- 
ness enjoyed by those who live where winter reigns uncontrolled most 
of the year. 

The benevolence of Deity is seen in the conLentcdness felt by those 



22 A LECTURE ON THE 

who live in the higher latitudes, where, as a writer said of countries 
north of the Alps, nature seems to have acted the part of step-mother. 

What a contrast between the conduion of the Icelanders and that of 
their forefathers. They were the worshippers of the god Wodin. And 
what were his attributes ? He was styled the Father of Carnage ! His 
greatest favorites were such as destroyed most of their fellow-creatures 
in the field of battle. 

But the Prince of Peace has broken the sceptre of the Father of 
Carnage. 

The benign influence of his gospel is seen in all departments of gov- 
ernment. Observe its effects as seen in the difference between the 
feelings of Lodbrok, a Northman king, and Skald, and those evinced 
by one who was so successful of late in settling our border difficulties. 

Lodbrok, in his death song, says — " Eight earls graced my Dwina's 
mouths. The crimson sweat of death poured on the sullen sea." 
Yes, he exulted hi seeing his laurels dyed in the blood of his fellow 
creatures. 

But " peace makers" in Europe and America gaze in rapture on 
these of the great PACIFICATOR, while verdant under the sun of 
peace. 

Let me ask, what would have been the consequences, had Scott " let 
slip the dogs of war ?" Cities in flames — desolated fields — the wail of 
the widow and the orphan's cry ! 

Who would not award to such a hero, rather than to Augustus Caesar, 
a place among the stars ? 

Such is the influence of Christianity where the Northmen found 
those who heard tlie Great Spirit in the thunder. 

This, as Cicero said of Rome, is the glory of all lands. 

" Wisdom and knowledge are the stability of our times." All class- 
es become sensible that knowledge is the guardian of property. In 
every place, they eagerly seek after that wisdom which as Isocrates 
says is the only imperishable treasure. Who can stay the progress of 
knowledge .' You might as well think of erecting a tower whence you 
could grasp the Pleiades, as to attempt to oppose the march of mind. 
To swell the tide of improvement, it is pleasing to reflect that men of 
the first talents are engaged, and that through the medium of those lec- 
tures, which, if they are not the fountains of knowledge, are important 
guides to them. 



A word in praise of the Scandinavians. Like the Patriarch, they 
went in search of a region they knew not where. We praise them for 
their courage — we applaud them for their zeal — we respect them for 
their motives ; for they were anxious to enlarge the boundaries of know- 
ledge. They reached the wished-for land. 



'• Where now the wcslcni sun, 
O'er fields, and floods, o"er every living soul 
Diftuselh glad repose." 



DISCOVERY OF AMERICA. 



23 



smHW hnn" ! ' ^'^^- ^P"""^ *^ *he view a broad region, where 
smUrng hope invites successive generations from the old world 

Such men as Caesar or a Tamerlane conquer but to devastate rnnn 

eal; .^'"''^'Tf' "'" ^"§^^"^ «f f-t^Iity -^d beau ; to those al" 
ready known. And are not the hardy adventurers nlous-hina t h ! K • 
wave, more attractive than the troops of Sander mafcwf^^^^^^ 
quer the world, with plumes waving in thrrntfe hT^. ^"I '''''" 

tTsz^r'^""' wh„Lv,fLTe'':fi?srr„rrr 

"To count them all demands a thousand tongues, 
A throat of brass, and adamantine lungs." 



NOTES. 



1. The origin of nations and particular races of men, is involved in obscuril)'. The 
same objects of worship may not imply the same origin of people adopting them. For in- 
stance, those in the vicinity of Sumatra worship the crocodile, and so did the ancient Egypt- 
ians, and probably the Central Americans, as figures of crocodiles are found in their sepul- 
chral monuments ; still, there is no evidence that the inliabitants of these different countries 
were of the same origin. No connection has been discovered between Egyptian hiero- 
glyphics and those sculptured on the edifices of Central America. Nor has any been 
traced between these and the Mexican figures. I saw, however, in Delafield's work, the 
representation of a head of one of the Mexican emperors that resembles those found in Pa- 
lenque. 

The monumental history of Central America tell us, that this is not a new world. And 
we wake with astonishment that there was once the seat of a great empire, before David 
reigned over the twelve Tribes of Israel, or Octavius waved his sceptre over the civilized 
world ! 

2. It is possible that the Northmen as well as those of earlier limes, had heard of a west- 
ern world. 

Seneca Diodorus Siculus, and Aristottle, speak of regions beyond the Atlantic. Plato 
says he saw an account in the hieroglyphics of Egypt, of a large tract of land, Atalantis, 
that once lay west of the straits of Gibraltar. 

It is thought Virgil alludes in the following' lines, to places west. In speaking of Augus- 
tus, he says, that-— 

He shall his power to India extend, 
Beyond the annual circle, and beyond 
The sun's long progress , where great Atlas bears 
Laden with golden stars, the glittering spheres. 



^7 



' /*f 



LBJa-OS /e*^^:^- 



